IDF Warns of Ammunition Shortages Amid Budget Delays and Rising Regional Tensions
As the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) focus on the escalating threat from Iran and the potential expansion of US military strikes, a senior IDF officer has warned of possible shortages in ammunition and interceptor missiles. Speaking to Calcalist, the officer cautioned that the IDF will be less prepared for the next conflict, citing significant issues in force buildup and supply replenishment. He emphasized the need to avoid major destruction in Tel Aviv in any future war with Iran.
This warning comes amid ongoing disputes between Israel's Defense and Finance Ministries over the 2026 defense budget. Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approved a National Security Council (NSC) plan earlier this month to immediately increase the defense budget by 15 billion shekels, the funds have yet to be disbursed. Further assessments scheduled for October and November aim to secure an additional 25 billion shekels to finance military operations across multiple fronts, including Lebanon, Gaza, and Syria.
The NSC framework also authorizes the Defense Ministry and IDF to commit to future defense procurement totaling around 130 billion shekels, based on a projected 350 billion shekel budget increase starting in 2027. However, this agreement has not been implemented, hindering the IDF's ability to replenish stockpiles after extensive use of approximately 100,000 air munitions in recent conflicts. The officer highlighted the urgent need for various interceptors, from Iron Dome to Arrow 3 missiles, and ground munitions, especially given ongoing deployments in Lebanon and uncertainty in Gaza.
The Defense Ministry has expressed frustration over delays in budget approvals, warning that some defense manufacturers may halt production lines critical to the IDF due to funding gaps. Meanwhile, the Finance Ministry accuses the military of fiscal irresponsibility and demands immediate efficiency and prioritization. The budget currently stands at 143 billion shekels, up from earlier this year, with plans to reach an unprecedented 183 billion shekels by year-end.
Additional challenges include global demand for weapons causing production delays, and increased IDF deployments in the West Bank amid rising tensions and nationalist violence. The IDF is stretched thin, with reserve forces depleted after extended service since October 7 and a shortage of approximately 15,000 soldiers, mostly combat troops. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich downplayed concerns about nationalist violence in the West Bank, contradicting military assessments.
Senior Finance officials indicated that the approved budget increase will be transferred soon but criticized the Defense Ministry's budget management as noncompliant with legal standards, complicating rapid fund allocation. Both ministries continue negotiations to adjust and implement the necessary budgetary measures to maintain Israel's military readiness.
